Hottest Architectural Styles in Nashville

Nashville is known for its vibrant music scene, but the city also boasts a diverse mix of stunning architectural styles. From classic antebellum homes to modern and contemporary designs, Nashville architecture can take your breath away. Deciding which style suits your taste best can be challenging, with so many options to choose from. Yet, it also means that there is sure to be a Nashville home that will suit your tastes. Read on for a journey through the city's most iconic architectural styles, from elegant Georgian revival to intricate Victorian estates.

Antebellum architecture is an opulent style popular throughout the United States in the first half of the 19th century. Nashville boasts several well-preserved homes that provide a glimpse into the antebellum era of architecture. They include the Belle Meade Plantation and the Belmont Mansion. Belle Meade was the country's largest thoroughbred farm at the time of the Civil War, and today, it serves as a historic home and winery.

Nashville's well-preserved antebellum homes offer a unique opportunity to experience the past. The architectural design of these homes usually features symmetrical facades, evenly-spaced windows, hipped or gabled roofs, pillars and columns, elaborate friezes, and covered porches. A central entryway with a grand staircase, a formal ballroom, and often a cupola are typical features.

Greek Revival architecture was one of the most popular styles in Nashville during the late 18th to the mid-19th century. Characterized by their symmetrical shape and columns, these designs can be seen in many of the city's historic buildings.

Greek Revival architecture remains a prominent style in the city even today, with many new buildings being constructed in this classic style. The Hermitage, the historic home of President Andrew Jackson, is a notable example of Greek Revival architecture. Visitors to Nashville can admire the beauty of these buildings and get a glimpse into the city's past.

Mediterranean architecture is one of the most famous home styles in Nashville. The Mediterranean villa's popularity blossomed in the 1920s and 1930s in the U.S., and today, it has enjoyed a modern-day revival. This style features a mix of Spanish, French, and Italian flavors, with design elements such as columns, rounded arches, and thick roofs borrowed from Italian and Spanish designs.

The luxurious Mediterranean villa is the perfect example of this style. It is often characterized by traditional heavy red roof tiles, white stucco, towers, and elaborately designed landscaping. Vanderbilt University and Tennessee State University are just two of the post-graduate institutions in the Nashville Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) featuring this stunning architectural style. The Mediterranean style provides a luxurious look to any home, making it a popular choice for homeowners looking for an upscale feel.

Nashville is known for its diverse neighborhoods and architectural styles, ranging from classic and traditional to modern. Contemporary homes are an example of Nashville architecture designed to incorporate open spaces and sustainable features. They feature clean lines, minimalistic designs, and modern materials that create a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor living spaces.

These homes are designed to maximize natural light and efficiently use available space while creating an inviting environment. If you want a modern dwelling, consider investing in contemporary homes that embody sophisticated and streamlined living.

Nashville real estate boasts many stunning Tudor revival homes. With tall chimneys, steeply pitched roofs, and decorative half-timbering, these properties have a distinctive style reminiscent of England's Tudor period (1500-1559) and the timber-frame buildings popular at that time. These homes can typically be found in the Green Hills and Inglewood neighborhoods.

Popular materials used in the construction of these homes include brick, stone, stucco, and wood. Many of these homes are historic, having been built in the early 20th century. The charm of Tudor Revival homes extends beyond just their unique architectural stylistic choices. They are also often complemented by well-manicured gardens and beautiful landscaping to create an enchanting atmosphere.

American Farmhouse homes are popular in Nashville, particularly in the East Nashville neighborhood. The style began in the early 18th century when American colonists made farmhouses using logs or stone. As more materials became available in the 19th century, elements such as columns and porches were added.

This simple, practical style is experiencing an increase in demand in recent years. The homes generally have light-colored walls and exteriors, rustic materials, designated formal and informal areas, and wrap-around porches. They are the perfect blend of classic and modern architecture, popular among home buyers. If you are looking for a cozy and warm place to call home, explore the American Farmhouse architecture homes in Nashville.

Georgian Revival architecture gained popularity in the U.S. between 1900-1950 and is still a fixture in many cities, including Nashville, especially in the Belle Meade and East Nashville areas. These elegant homes showcase a symmetrical façade, large windows with decorative brick headers, and a grand entrance, which often serves as the focal point of the building.

Georgian Revival homes were originally built during the Civil War era and showcase the wealth of their original owners through their grand gardens and other features. If you are a fan of classic architecture, take a stroll through Nashville's streets to catch a glimpse of these timeless beauties.

Nashville is home to numerous Victorian-style homes, many of which have been preserved and feature modern amenities. Some neighborhoods that feature these homes have retained their original feel despite the gentrification, with generations of families continuing to live there. The East Nashville neighborhood includes several tree-lined streets and wide sidewalks, making it popular with young families.

Victorian homes are well represented in Nashville real estate, with well-kept historic homes being a coveted prize for home buyers. In particular, neighborhoods such as Historic Edgefield in East Nashville and Historic Downtown Franklin in Williamson County boast some of the best examples. Victorian architecture is known for its unapologetic devotion to ornament and flourish, with ornate maximalist interior design being a hallmark feature. These homes are a testament to the beauty and historical significance of Nashville's architectural heritage.

If you’re ready to move forward in Nashville real estate, partnering with leading agent Debbie Gregory is a sure way to streamline your buying journey. Since 2005, Debbie has been connecting buyers with amazing properties all across the middle Tennessee market. You could be next!

_{*Header photo courtesy of Shutterstock}